My husband and I will be visiting Quebec City for the 1st time mid October. We are staying at Le Clos St Louis (no car) and would like some tips on nearby restaurants to check out. I've read a lot of past postings about restaurants, but they are getting a little outdated. Has anyone gone somewhere this summer they would recommend for good food but also good atmosphere and service? We are big Rick Steves fans, but I guess he only does Europe.

Also, any experience on weather in Oct to share and any recommendations on how to plan the weekend to see most everything? We arrive Friday midday and are leaving Sunday afternoon.

It's our first trip away from our 13 month old, so thanks in advance for advice in making the best of our trip!

Ok, I'll narrow down my request here, as no one is responding.

Aux Anciens Canidiens - hokey or worth it?

Where is the best place to get crepes, for dessert, not for a meal. (although you can argue dessert is a meal...)

Hi,

We're going on our honeymoon to QC 9/27-10/2. It will be our first trip there.

I haven't had much luck getting restaurant info from this board, but have you checked out tripadvisor.com?

Perhaps call the inn and have them recommend a few restaurants that you can then research online.

Another good source is www.virtualtourist.com

I'm not sure where your hotel is located, but we're leaning toward trying Pub D'Orsay and Le Cafe Du Monde. Our hotel recommended L'Initale and Laurie Raphael.

Well, congrats on your impending nuptuals! Just celebrated my 4th anniv last week.

I have been on trip advisor quite a bit, and it helped us pick out our hotel. We are staying at Le Clos St Louis in upper town, which is a private hotel I guess you could say (not offered on travelocity, expedia, etc) It's not far from Chateau Frontenac. But I didn't pick up too much on restaurants there, but I will check out the virtual tourist site.

I've heard about the Pub D'Orsay and Cafe Du Monde, both recommended. Initial and Rafael looked a little pricier and formal than most. (my husband is not into formal) Peche Veniel looked like a good place - read a good review on this site. For me, I like a friendly atmosphere, NOT formal, and of course good food and drink. Let's not forget the drink..

Also check out www.restaurant.ca for reviews and customer comments.

At the Auberge Tresor there is a restaurant, called Relais, I believe.

Just eat there last weekend. Very good, not stuffy/formal

it is located across the street from the chateau Frontenac.

have fun. Lily

In old Quebec we like Les frères de la côte for the Southern France food (on rue Saint-Jean). We also like La rôtisserie Sainte-Angele, pretty busy but excellent atmosphere (old stone walls). Try Cochon Dingue if you like a Paris bistro type menu. Brulerie Tatum and l'Oeuforie(both on Saint-Jean) have excellent breakfasts. I have been to those restaurants in the past year but each person have their own taste - so really, when you're there just go for a stroll and check out the menus posted - the selection is great so if someone is not happy with what they see, the next restaurant is just a few steps away (esp. on Grande-Allée, Saint-Jean, Saint-Louis)

Good luck and have fun!

Aux Anciens Canadiens - we were there this summer... yes, it is touristy, but they have a great lunch deal - three courses plus wine, for $14.95. We thought the food was good; better than it really needed to be, for a touristy place. I would give it a try, especially if French Canadian food is new for you.

As for crepes, there is a place right next to the Chateau Frontenac (sorry, I can't remember the name, but you can't miss it) - they serve all kinds of crepes, either for an entire meal or a dessert. Again, worth a try; we enjoyed a quick meal here.

Essentially, I don't think you can go wrong in Quebec City - we never had a bad meal. Even the touristy places do good food. You might just want to wander around and see what looks good.

Enjoy your trip!
Tania

We're staying at Auberge St. Pierre.

If you'd like, I can let you know where we eat after we return from our honeymoon, but that wouldn't be until 10/5.

Hi all

Thanks to everyone for the great restaurant recommendations. I wish I had enough time to try all of them. I will definately go to Aux Anciens Canadiens as I haven't tried "true" French Canadien food. Plus it sounds like a good deal and entertaining.

Richelle: Auberge St Pierre was my #1 choice of where to stay in the lower city. In the end, decided on the upper city because my husband had knee surgery 2 years ago. Have a great time there yourself, and a good wedding day!

JackiZ

There are many good restaurants in Montreal some of which are already posted. I just got back from a week in Old Montreal and had a very enjoyable meal at Aix Cuisine du Terroir which is located in the lower level of Hotel Place d'Armes.

Just back from a couple of days in Quebec City. We had great, fairly inexpensive meal and dessert crepes at Au Coin Petit Breton (or something of the sort) on Rue St. Jean just a block or two in from the St. Jean gate.

We also had a faily good bistro meal at Saint Malo in the lower town, though the service was excrutiatingly slow.

I understand that you don't prefer formal, but in case someone else does, our best meal in Quebec was at La Cremeliere, also on Rue St. Jean near the gate. Truly excellent French and Italian gourmet fare. Be sure to make reservations, though.